ur collaborative vision for a Wisbech Garden Town...a place of great expectations
ur heritage and our long-term transformational vision As part of the Wisbech 2020 Vision evolution and collaborative approach, we have now submitted a formal application to the Government to include Wisbech on their Garden Communities programme. A transformational vision that offers a scale of growth that is aligned to community, housing, retail, business, education, health, leisure, and environmental aspirations. A bold and ambitious concept for delivering sustained economic prosperity for future generations. The level of investment in the Wisbech 2020 Vision to date demonstrates the confidence that is starting to build. Further technical appraisal work and funding applications are continuing to gain momentum: 6.5million of funding for rail/road infrastructure and flood resilience appraisal work; 1.9million of funding for High Street regeneration work; 10.5million of funding for local highway improvements that are aligned to the Garden Town proposals; Significant investment in technical skills development and educational attainment; Refurbishment and reopening of the Wisbech Castle; Enhanced community facilities; Funding for Growing Fenland Project and alignment to the rich cultural heritage. These activities demonstrate a significant step forward in progressing the opportunity for a transformational Wisbech Garden Town. Building on the legacy of the Garden City principles, this proposal is defined by ensuring connectivity between new development and existing to create transformational growth for the town as a whole. The scale of growth proposed looks to maximise economic and social benefits. It will draw on the latest thinking on innovation, place creation and shift perceptions around typical housing delivery. KEY T THE C Improving the connectivity The infrastructure game-changers are seen as: 1. The reopening of 8 miles of rail line between Wisbech and March. Phase 1 is a shuttle service to March and Phase 2 a direct service to Cambridge within 55 minutes travel time. 2. The A47 becoming a dual carriageway between Wisbech and Peterborough offering both improved capacity and safer journeys. 3. A first class digital broadband capability for community and business alike. 4. A new footbridge and cycle way connecting green space with the town centre and transport interchanges. Wisbech Garden town aspirations are fully aligned to the wider Cambridgeshire Transport Strategy and recently published CPIER report.
Wisbech Historic Town, Garden Town, Connected Town Improved connectivity is a key component of the urban regeneration outlined in the Wisbech Garden Town proposal. It currently takes 120 minutes to get from Wisbech to Cambridge by public transport and 100 minutes by car the two areas are only 30 miles apart. Improved connectivity will provide enhanced access to employment and education for Wisbech residents, help to take the heat out of the Cambridge housing market and create a new east - west economic corridor. IMPRVING CNNECTIVITY IN WISBECH RAIL RAD THER METHDS F TRAVEL/DIGITAL Restoration of the Wisbech to Cambridge rail link Dualling of the A47 A new Economic Corridor Improved cycle lanes and other modes of green transport. Upgraded digital fibre network. pens up employment, education, leisure and residential opportunities - in both directions. Improved vehicle capacity, faster and safer journeys between Wisbech and Peterborough/A1(M). Reduced carbon emissions and improved health. Better digital communications. KEY T THE C Architectural design of new sustainable and resilient housing Wisbech has a wealth of fine and elegant Georgian architecture. The Brinks have been described as one of the finest examples in England. It has a unique history and heritage. ur ambition is to see these assets and their character preserved for future generations. The new architectural design themes for the Wisbech Garden Town will be an important decision and one that requires extensive community involvement. There will be an opportunity to consider these design options as part of the consultation phase planned for the summer 2019. A combination of traditional English market town character aligned to latest construction techniques/ materials is perhaps a way forward. Thinking to the future, incorporating climate change resilience, energy efficiency, water efficiency and sustainable environments are equally important to the individual house design characteristics. Designs will take account of examples such as the development in Poundbury, West Dorset, alongside locally distinctive influences.
The proposals in more detail A bid has been submitted to Government for Wisbech to join the Garden Communities programme. In summary the proposal includes: A transformational vision with economic benefits for the whole town; An exemplar of innovation, spatial planning and integrated thinking; Wide public consultation on the detail of the proposals, ensuring the local character is retained; A future that supports a sustainable local community; 13,200 new homes to be built over the next 40 years; 11,000 new jobs; Phased new schools and community facilities located within the suburban growth extensions; Stimulated economic growth with agri-business a key sector; New skills and training opportunities; A regenerated town centre; An extended business park targetting many new skilled employment opportunities; Significantly improved green public transport, particularly via a reopened rail link; Template for creating a climate change resilient town for the future; The possibility of a barrage on the River Nene to combat uncertainty regarding sea-level rise and provide increased utilisation of the river as an asset; Alignment to the wider growth strategy for Cambridgeshire through the Non-Statutory Spatial Framework, the Housing Strategy, the local Transport Plan, the Skills Strategy and a Funding and Finance strategy; The upgrading of the East West A47 economic corridor; Developing the town as a tourist destination; High quality design; Raising the towns profile as a great place to live, study and work. Promoting the towns unique heritage Peckover House (NT), Elgoods Brewery, the home of ctavia Hill, the recently reopened Castle and of course the Museum. DID YU KNW? The original Charles Dickens Great Expectations manuscript is located at the Museum, hence our great expectations for Wisbech. KEY T THE C A new country park in the heart of the town The proposed Wisbech Country Park would be located in the heart of the town and designed as a multifunctional public space. Partly for surface water attenuation, partly for leisure and partly for new woodland. It would create a special and very green new environment for all to enjoy. KEY T THE C Creating a template for climate change resilience for the future Two years of study with Dutch consultants have helped us to explore innovative and comprehensive options across a 200 year horizon looking into the future. KEY T THE C
The Wisbech 2020 Vision story so far The Wisbech 2020 Vision is a joint initiative led by the Leaders of Wisbech Town Council, Fenland District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council who are joined by the local Member of Parliament to form the Core Vision Group. The Core Vision Group is supported by a Steering Group of officers from local organisations. They recognise the need to work together at both a strategic and delivery level to make the most of limited resources and achieve the planned improvements for the town and its residents, which have historically been difficult to realise. Despite the challenges in the town, Wisbech also has many positive attributes. It has one of the highest concentrations of listed buildings and structures in the East of England, as well as low house prices. It also has a high concentration of economic activity linked to the Agri-food sector and so has formed a cluster, just as hi-tech does in Cambridge. The challenges: LW EDUCATIN AND SKILLS PR CNNECTIVITY PR HEALTH AND LWER LIFE EXPECTANCY LW WAGES LIMITED EMPLYMENT PPRTUNITIES LACK F CMMUNITY CHESIN To address the challenges in Wisbech, the Wisbech 2020 Vision Steering Group is focussing on 4 main themes and a range of actions: Since the Wisbech 2020 was launched in January 2013 we have seen: investment in skills training for young people, including a 7.2m Technology Centre opened at the College of West Anglia extensive lobbying for the introduction of the Wisbech-Cambridge rail link and improvements to the A47 improvements to local derelict buildings, including 1.9 secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund for Wisbech High Street opening of two new retail parks, including a cinema, restaurants and shops as well business growth at Cromwell Road, one of the key gateways to the town improvements to living conditions and tackling migrant exploitation and rogue landlords through projects such as peration Pheasant introduction and promotion of new high speed broadband for businesses and residents These improvements are just the start. All partners have a long term ambition for the future of the Wisbech 2020 vision and we know that with the support of the local community, local Members, stakeholders and private sector partners such as key sponsors, Anglian Water, Wisbech can go from strength to strength. This beautiful Fenland town has so much potential; we just need to work together to make it happen. Education & Skills Health, Wellbeing & Cohesion Infrastructure & the Built Environment Local Economy Attract the very best new teaching talent Improve health and wellbeing through new initiatives and pilot ideas Improving local connectivity Position the agri-food cluster at the centre of the Wisbech economy to help it thrive Place schools and libraries at the centre of community life Shape improved health facilities Accelerating development at existing allocations and underdeveloped sites Increase engagement with local business to help them flourish and grown the local economy Build better links between schools and businesses Support the community in growing together and addressing cohesion issues Secure further investment in the town s outstanding built heritage to leave a positive legacy for future generations Restore the image of Wisbech as the proud economic and social Capital of the Fens
Engagement strategy KEY T THE C The key to the concept proposals are based on initial stakeholder engagement surveys and recommendations from other wider work. For example, the recent CPIER report as part of the feasibility work. What was clear from the initial questionnaire and surveys is that there is wide spread support for positive transformational change to enable regeneration. It is also important to note that Wisbech is one of only two founder locations as part of the Business In The Community Pride of Place initiative. Today we are seeing the start of a much longer and detailed process in this journey. CPIER recommendation Wisbech should be seen as a test-bed for new flood-resilient approaches. The Wisbech: beyond 2020 survey 89% agreed that the reopening of the rail line was a game-changer in the regeneration proposals. Community and wide stakeholder engagement will form the central pillar to shape the approach for planning, delivery and management of the Garden Town. This is our collaborative and evolving vision. www.wisbech2020vision.co.uk Designed by Fine Design Ltd 15011AWA What next for the Wisbech 2020 Vision? The next Wisbech 2020 Vision summit will be held in Summer 2019. A key area of the current work is the engagement strategy for the Garden Town, building upon the work undertaken so far. This programme is working to establish a brand that is recognised by community and stakeholders alike. Early engagement is already scheduled to coincide with the next summit.